Among the world leaders he has met, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. bared he feels closest with Malaysian and British leaders.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Marcos said he feels closest to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The President disclosed that Anwar is his long-time friend, saying their friendship "goes way back." He added that they got together when the latter "just got out of detention."

"One of the nice surprises I discovered is how he's a real Jose Rizal afficionado, and has even conducted a lecture series on Rizal," Marcos told the Manila Bulletin.

The two leaders have met officially twice this year. Anwar visited the Philippines in March while Marcos made a state visit in Malaysia in July where most of his activities were with the Prime Minister.

Marcos also revealed that he has become close with Blair, whom he met through Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, the chairman of Ayala Corporation.

"The world leader I've become close to is former Prime Minister Tony Blair. I met him through JAZA (Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala). He's such an astute observer of global politics, has great connections, and is willing to share," Marcos shared.

Marcos and Blair met during the former's trip to New York in September last year for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). They met for the second time when Blair went to Manila in October last year.

They then again met in Switzerland this year during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by BETHEENA UNITE

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